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Natural Light and Gable Roofs Defining a Meditative Retreat in Stucco and Wood

Authors:
Collin Anderson, Miquel Lopez, Saul Martinez
Natural Light and Gable Roofs Defining a Meditative Retreat in Stucco and Wood

Project in-detail

Large windows framed by gable roofs and simple stucco create a harmonious meditation retreat that emphasizes connection to nature and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation zones emphasize elemental themes of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire.
02
An elevated boardwalk enhances site navigation while preserving natural landscapes.
03
Gable roofs reflect regional architectural styles, reinforcing cultural context.
04
Large windows frame views and optimize natural light throughout the retreat.
05
Living spaces utilize stucco exteriors and wood paneling to promote tranquility.

The design presents a contemporary meditation retreat that connects with its natural surroundings, offering spaces for individual contemplation and group activities. Set within a calm landscape, the project is built around four elemental themes: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. These themes guide the layout and user experience, creating an atmosphere that encourages peace and renewal.

Spatial Layout

The layout includes an elevated boardwalk that allows users to move through various experience zones. This grid-like arrangement reduces disruption to the natural environment and promotes a respectful relationship with the landscape. By separating the structures from the ground, the design helps maintain ecological balance and provides easy access for all visitors.

Architectural Design

The design shows a clear structure, balancing private spaces for reflection with areas meant for communal gatherings. New rectangular buildings relate to the existing stone barn, using angles and height changes to frame views of the surroundings. This thoughtful arrangement enriches the user experience and strengthens the bond between the buildings and their natural setting.

Material Choice and Appearance

Living spaces serve as a modern take on traditional architectural styles, featuring gable roofs common in the area. The simple stucco exterior offers a sense of clarity, while wood panels in the interiors create a warm connection to the outside. These material choices support the retreat's focus on calmness and mindfulness.

Experience and Engagement

The retreat also explores the balance between spiritual references and modern wellness practices. It includes spaces for activities like saunas and sensory deprivation tanks, providing opportunities for holistic healing and personal growth. The design invites users to engage in their meditative journeys within a carefully considered environment.

Large windows form a notable feature, framing views of the surrounding landscape and letting in natural light. This detail not only enhances the interior spaces but also deepens the connection to nature, aligning with the retreat's goal of fostering introspection and renewal.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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